QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

About Queensland

Located on the eastern coast, Queensland is the second largest state in Australia. This
part of the country is home to incredible ecological and geographic diversity, including
the arid, sparsely populated bush (outback) to the west, the hills and mountains of the
Great Dividing Range, subtropical and tropical rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef
to the east. Brisbane, the capital, is Australia's third largest city with a population of
about 1.4 million yet maintains a "small town" feel. With its tropical climate, numerous
gardens and parks, and accessible location, it offers many attractions for visitors.

The Program

The Queensland program is based at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia's
largest university, and is organized in coordination with The School of Biological
Sciences. Integrating field and lecture components, the program focuses on the marine and terrestrial ecology of eastern
Australia and includes extended excursions that highlight the variety of ecosystems found in this region.

Courses

All students participating in the program will be required to take four courses:

The Terrestrial Ecology of Australia (1 credit)
This course examines the heritage of the terrestrial flora and fauna of Australia, and assumes a basic familiarity with the
biology and ecology of terrestrial systems. The origins and uniqueness of Australia's flora and fauna will be discussed in light of
continental drift, as well as past and present Australian environments. The course combines lectures and field-based work with
essays and research reports to develop knowledge of Australia's unique terrestrial environments and to provide the skills with
which to investigate them. Field activities include excursions to Stradbroke Island (a large sand island bearing mainly wallum
vegetation) and the rainforest at Lamington National Park. A visit to an arid inland site gives students further opportunity to
examine and explore aspects of terrestrial ecology shaped by the harsh environment.

The Marine Ecology of Australia (1 credit)
Students in this course are expected to have some familiarity with biological and ecological principles, sampling techniques and
experimental design and statistics. The course draws together background knowledge of Australian marine systems and
maritime resources with a variety of concepts and exercises in marine biology. The program takes participants from the rich
diversity of the estuarine and coastal systems around Moreton Bay to Lady Elliot Island or Heron Island on the Great Barrier
Reef. It combines classroom lectures and field-based learning with essays and research reports to provide an understanding of
tropical marine biology and ecology.

Australian Culture, Society, and Contemporary Issues (1 credit)
This overview of Australia draws upon the expertise of lecturers from a number of departments and programs (especially the
Australian Studies Program and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Program) at the University of Queensland, as
well as practitioners from a variety of fields. Among the topics that may be covered are: Aboriginal society and culture;
European impact on the environment; sustainable agriculture and development; the Australian political system; the economy of
Australia; health care and education; and nuclear weapons in the South Pacific. Discussions, journals, papers, and student
presentations will provide a chance for reflection on the similarities and differences between the cultures of Australia and the
United States.

Sustenance and Sustainability (1 credit)
This course will expose students to sustainability practices and policies in the U.S. and Australia. We will explore issues relating
to natural resources, energy, and waste management with a special focus on topics surrounding food and water. The class
material will be supplemented and enhanced by visits to both urban and rural environments throughout the semester, including
extended excursions to Heron Island, Stradbroke Island, Lamington National Park (a rainforest), and Carnarvon Gorge
National Park as well as local excursions in and around Brisbane. The topics presented in this course will be broadened and
informed by the material presented in the courses offered by the University of Queensland during the semester.

Academic Focus

The Queensland program will be particularly appropriate for students intending to major or minor in the natural sciences,
especially biology and environmental studies.

Eligibility

This program is open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic and social standing with a minimum
GPA of 2.5 It is expected that students will have taken at least one introductory science course with a lab,
although preference is given to students with stronger science preparation. A course in Environmental Studies is
recommended but not required. Due to the challenging nature of study abroad, student academic and disciplinary
records will be carefully screened. Students must also be cleared for participation by their physician for this
physically-demanding program.

Accommodations

Students will be placed in homestays while in Brisbane and will stay in a variety of accommodation types while in
the field, including hotels, research centers, and hostels.

Excursions

A key feature of the program is a rigorous
schedule of multi-day excursions to conduct
field work at four sites in Australia:

Girraween National Park, in the Tablelands area on the
border of Queensland and New South Wales, is a drier region with massive granite outcrops, balancing boulders,
diverse flora and fauna, and Aborginal origins.

Other site visits in and around Brisbane will be arranged.

Going Abroad with the CGE

Students will be charged standard HWS tuition, room and board fees and a $600 administrative fee. This will
cover credit for a four-course semester, housing, meals, and all course-related excursions. Additional expenses not
covered include airfare, books and other course materials, and personal expenses (laundry, entertainment, ground
transportation, commuter passes and independent travel). We estimate airfare for this program at approximately
$1900-$2000 from the West Coast and books/materials at $250. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of
personal expenses because student spending habits differ considerably. We would suggest a minimum of $1,500.
However, students on a tight budget should be able to manage with less. If you are concerned about finances, we
strongly encourage you to talk to the CGE staff who can offer information and advice based on your specific situation.

MORE INFO

This program is offered every fall semester.

Applications are available at the Center for Global
Education.

Applications are due at the CGE office at a selected date in
October.

For specific date contact the CGE.

NOTE: The information contained in this brochure is subject to
change. Please see the CGE for more information.